Medication Warning: Avoid Taking Pills with Oranges and Alcohol - 3 Safe Medication Principles

During the 9-day Chinese New Year holiday, a time of festive meals and gatherings, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital warns chronic patients not to forget their medication. Some elderly people believe taking medication during the New Year is unlucky and may stop or reduce their drugs, which can lead to dangerous health complications like uncontrolled blood pressure and blood sugar. Dr. Shen Yi-ting emphasizes that managing chronic conditions requires consistent long-term treatment. Stopping medication can cause a rebound effect, worsening symptoms and putting additional strain on the body. He recommends three key principles: 1. 'Remember to Take Medication': Use phone reminders or memory aids during busy travel and family visits. 2. 'Take Complete Doses': Never reduce or stop medications arbitrarily, as chronic disease management is a long-term process. 3. 'Take Carefully': Be mindful of food and drug interactions, especially with alcohol. Alcohol should never be combined with pain medications, blood sugar reducers, sedatives, or sleep medications. Additionally, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit can affect liver enzyme drug metabolism, potentially increasing blood medication levels and toxicity risks. Supplements like Dong Quai or ginseng may also interact with blood-thinning medications, increasing bleeding risks. The hospital stresses the importance of preparing sufficient medication, following medical instructions consistently, and being aware of food-drug interactions to ensure safe health management during festive periods.